Here we are on the eve of a new year.  I'm sure there have been many changes and challenges for you in 2011.  But you have made it!  Take a moment and just let yourself feel some satisfaction in that accomplishment.  I'm sure it has not been easy.

Now, let's change focus a moment and look forward to 2012.  I'm sure you are familiar with the little saying.

"Yesterday is History ... Tomorrow a Mystery ...   

 Today is a Gift - that's why it is call the Present". 

That's so true for all of us, whether we have a terminal disease or not.  We only have the assurance of having "today" - the "present".  Yesterday is gone forever, and we never know what tomorrow has in store for us.  But, we have been the gift of today!

So, in spite of all the challenges and struggles, let's make a New Year's Resolution to think of each day is a gift from our Creator.  He has given us one more day to be on this earth for a reason.  Maybe we are here to be a blessing or help to someone else today, maybe he has a special little moment of pleasure or happiness to give us, or maybe we are just to enjoy the "ordinary" day has planned for us.  We may have to look hard some days to recognize the "present' - but it's there!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If you are visiting your loved one during the holidays, keep an eye on out for things that might be a sign that they need extra help.  It's a great time to take stock and see how things are.

1. Peek in the refrigerator, freezer and cupboards.  Is food spoiled or out of date?  Are the right kinds of foods there - easy to prepare, healthy?
2. Have they lost weight?  How about their appearance - are they dressed appropriately?  Is there hair clean and combed?
3. Does the house look clean and tidy?  Is it dusty or dirty?  Perhaps it's getting to hard to clean, or maybe they don't see that it's necessary anymore.
4. Are they still active, or just sitting in front of the television set?
5. Are there piles of unpaid bills and unopened mail?

Holiday Time

Just some quick tips to help you get through the holidays!

Adjust your expectations

• Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage
• Entertain in small groups
• Ask for help with holiday meal preparations

Involve your loved one in the festivities

• Wrap gifts together
• Bake holiday favorites
• Set the table
• Send holiday cards
• Attend a religious service

Decorating tips

• Keep decorations simple
• Try not to make a lot of changes to room arrangements
• Avoid blinking lights or decorations that look edible
• Maintain as normal a routine as possible

Company is coming!

• Name tags for guests are helpful
• Avoid over-stimulation and over-tiring
• Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down
• Morning or afternoon get togethers work best